Carbon Monoxide Safety

Why Safety is Important

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, deadly gas. It can kill you before you know it because you can't see it, taste it or smell it. At lower levels of exposure, it can cause health problems. Some people may be more vulnerable to Co poisoning such as fetuses, infants, children, senior citizens and those with heart or lung problems. When CO is breathed in by an individual, it accumulates in the blood and forms a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the bloodstream to cells and tissues. Carbon monoxide attaches itself to hemoglobin and displaces the oxygen that the body organs need.

Symptoms

Symptoms can mimic a common cold, a hangover, food poisoning, depression or flu (without body ache or fever). If the family's (or pet's) symptoms decrease when away from the house, seek medical treatment or get a carboxyhemoglobin level blood test for CO poisoning. Some of the symptoms can also include are:

Blurred vision, burning eyes

Chest pain (angina) when exercising

Confusion, disorientation, loss of muscle control

Dizziness, ringing in the ears

Fainting, unconsciousness

Intoxicated appearance

Nausea and vomiting

Pale skin

Persistent throbbing headaches

Rapid heartbeat or pulse, fluttering of throbbing of the heart, tightening of the chest

An alarm system can provide valuable protection if installed correctly and used responsibly. An alarm is a factor when a thief picks a target – most would prefer to go where there is no alarm. Read on...

The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police
would like to offer some tips and suggestions
to help when interacting with the police that
will make the experience less stressful and
will help to ensure your safety and the safety
of the officer Read on...